European Regulators Query Ball Corp.’s Proposed Rexam Takeover

Authorities concerned about possible higher prices for beverage cans

BRUSSELS—European Union regulators have sent a formal list of concerns to Ball Corp. over its planned £4.4 billion ($6.6 billion) acquisition of Rexam PLC, as part of a detailed EU probe into whether the deal could lead to higher prices for beverage cans.

The EU’s move doesn’t automatically sink the deal, but it means Ball must come forward with concessions, such as asset sales, that would allay the regulator’s concerns.